Instructions for Responding to Hazards, Accidents and Disasters

Call 112 if you need to contact any emergency service.

By dialing 112, free of charge in any European Union Member State, you can request assistance from emergency services (police, fire brigade or ambulance).

In an emergency, the 112 system not only alerts the core emergency services but also, when necessary, activates other relevant civil protection actors (such as state administration authorities and local and regional self-government units), operational forces within the civil protection system (such as the Croatian Mountain Rescue Service, the Croatian Red Cross, divers, hunters, etc.), and other forces relevant for the civil protection system, such as the Armed Forces of the Republic of Croatia.

Calling 112

When you call 112, the operator will ask you the following questions:

• What happened?

• Where did it happen?

• Are there any injured persons and how many?

• What is the nature of injuries?

• What are the circumstances at the scene of the accident: fire, leakage of dangerous substances, damaged gas or electrical installations, etc.

• What kind of emergency assistance do you need?

• Who is calling?

If only one emergency service is needed, the operator will forward your call to the relevant emergency service. Based on the established standard operating procedures, protocols or agreements, the 112 system enables the caller to be located in emergencies, it enables emergency air transport of search and rescue teams, firefighters and transplant organs, as well as emergency transport of injured persons or patients by air or sea, which is essential in certain situations.

Place the essential items you may need in case of evacuation in a backpack, bag or a larger, sturdy plastic sack. The following checklist can serve as a reminder and may be adjusted as needed:

• Water - bottled, plain, enough for at least 2 days (1.5-2 liters per day)

• Food - dehydrated or canned food that you normally eat, low in salt and sugar, in a quantity sufficient for at least 2 days

• Hygiene supplies - toothbrush and toothpaste, protective face mask, tissues, toilet paper, sanitary pads, antibacterial gel, etc.

• Medical supplies - plasters, disinfectants, bandages, glasses (if you use them), or other medical aids and medications

• Basic tools and electronics - can opener, fully charged power bank (add your mobile phone at the moment of evacuation), battery-powered portable radio and spare batteries

• Flashlight, whistle, matches or lighter, plastic garbage bags, duct tape…

• Cash, documents and phone numbers of household members, relatives, and friends written on paper (for all other emergencies, call 112)

• Clothing and sleeping gear - sleeping bag or blanket

• Map with pre-marked evacuation routes

• Food and supplies for pets, if you have them.

A family emergency plan will make it easier to respond in crisis situations, which is why it is useful to create one and update it regularly.
It may include:

• Important phone numbers and alternative ways to communicate (e.g. designated places where you will leave written messages for household members)

• Meeting points in case you are in different locations

• Evacuation routes

• Instruction on what to do if you cannot return home or contact your family members

• Assigned tasks for each family member during evacuation, including who will take the survival kit

• Name of the contact person outside your local area whom family members can reach if needed,

• A reminder of safe places inside and outside the home, and instructions for turning off gas, electricity, and water.

In the event of a flood, it is necessary to take certain precautions to ensure your safety and the safety of those around you. Follow these instructions in case of a flood:

• Move valuables to elevated places

• Prepare drinking water in advance, as it may be contaminated after the flood (do not drink tap water, well water, or other sources during the flood)

• Be ready to evacuate with an emergency backpack

• If the authorities issue an evacuation order, follow it immediately to use the recommended evacuation routes before they become flooded

• If you are trapped in your home due to flooding, try to move to the highest possible level

• Turn off the main sources of electricity, gas, and water

• If you are outdoors, move away from areas threatened by flooding

• Avoid walking through any floodwaters

• Do not drive through water by car, bicycle, or any other means of transportation

• If you are in a vehicle and cannot safely reach a secure location, leave the vehicle immediately and move to higher ground

• Help others around you, especially vulnerable family members, people with mobility difficulties, the sick, children, persons with disabilities, and anyone else in need

• If it is too late to evacuate livestock, leave the shelters open so they can escape

• If possible, take your pets with you; otherwise, allow them free movement

• Listen to announcements on television and radio

• After the flood, cooperate with emergency services in cleaning up, removing dead animal carcasses, and disinfecting, fumigating, and deratizing buildings, wells, and open spaces to avoid health risks

In the event of a thunderstorm, it is necessary to take precautions to ensure your safety and the safety of those around you. Follow these instructions in case of a thunderstorm:

• Postpone all outdoor activities

• If you hear a distant thunder or see a flash of lightning, move indoors if possible - a solid building is the safest place during a thunderstorm

• Seek shelter in a house, building or a car

• Close all the windows and exterior door

• Do not stand near windows, open doors, metal poles, or objects such as faucets, power sockets, and electrical switches

• Avoid showering and bathing

• Turn off electrical appliances and air conditioners

• Remain indoors for at least 30 minutes after the last sound of thunder

• If outdoors, take shelter in lower areas such as ravines, gullies, or depressions, or in a forest under bushes or shorter trees

• Avoid sheltering under tall, isolated trees or in small isolated structures such as sheds

• Stay away from hilltops, open fields, beaches, and avoid swimming

• If you are swimming (in the sea, river, or lake), get out of the water, leave the beach, and seek shelter — the same applies to fishing

• Avoid all metal objects — tractors, other machinery, motorcycles, bicycles, etc.

• If you are in a vehicle during the storm, pull over away from trees and buildings if possible, and try to find a more open area; avoid places where water may accumulate, such as underpasses or tunnels

• If you hear crackling sounds or notice signs of electrical discharge (like hair standing on end — an indicator of a potential lightning strike): crouch down, lower your head, cover your ears with your hands, close your eyes, and open your mouth

Precautions in case of a strong wind:

• Follow the information and forecasts regarding the occurrence, location, and strength of strong winds or approaching storms

• Keep heavy-duty plastic sheets or tarpaulins, wooden battens, and nails on hand for temporary roof repairs or covering broken window panes
   

If you are indoors:

• Securely close all windows and doors, lower blinds, or close window shutters

• Stay away from window panes and move toward the interior of the building

• If the building is not solidly constructed and hurricane-force winds or tornadoes are expected, take shelter in a basement or a sturdier structure; before leaving, shut off water and gas at the main valves and turn off electricity at the main switch to prevent secondary damage

• Listen to radio announcements and follow the instructions provided

If you are outdoors:

• As a pedestrian, walk in a crouched position, staying in sheltered areas if possible, and hold onto solid objects

• Do not take shelter under trees due to the risk of lightning strikes, falling branches, or tree collapse

• If driving, follow warnings and restrictions issued by the authorities; if caught in hurricane-force winds (with or without precipitation) on an open road, pull over off the road, preferably in a natural wind shelter

• Do not use lightweight, non-motorized boats at sea during strong winds (such as inflatables, rubber, plastic, or wooden boats, pedal boats, canoes, windsurfing or surfing boards)

If you are indoors

• If you hear the characteristic sound of an earthquake, seek shelter next to bearing walls, under a table, or in another safe place within the building

• Stay away from glass, windows, partition walls, fireplaces, tall furniture, mirrors, chandeliers, and other heavy objects that could fall and injure you

• Crouch under a table, load-bearing beam, or similar, and cover your head with your hands

• Wait until the shaking stops before leaving the building, as aftershocks may occur

• Once the shaking stops, check if you are injured; if so, administer first aid to yourself, then to others nearby

  • ​ Do not move an unconscious person unless absolutely necessary

  • If you must move an unconscious person, first immobilize their neck, back, and any injured limbs

• Check for damage to gas, water, sewage, and electrical installations

  • If you smell gas, do not turn on the electricity or use electrical or electronic devices

  • Do not use damaged utilities until they are inspected by professionals

  • Shut off power, water, and gas supplies

• Do not use the elevator when exiting the building

• Head to the meeting point you have previously arranged with your family in an open space

• Take your emergency backpack and add daily essentials such as your phone, money, medications, etc.

• Help others around you, especially vulnerable family members (those with limited mobility, the ill, children, etc.) and anyone else in need

• Do not forget your pets — try to calm them and place them in carriers; if that’s not possible, take care of them later when it is safer for you

 
If you are outdoors

• Move away from buildings, poles, wires, glass surfaces, billboards, and anything else that could fall on you

• If you are in a city center, try to avoid structures that may collapse (glass buildings, buildings with roof tiles, etc.)

 
If you are in a vehicle

• Stop the vehicle in a safe place, away from buildings or structures that may collapse, and remain inside until the shaking stops

 
If you are trapped under debris

• Cover your face with a breathing mask or any fabric to avoid inhaling dust

• Try to signal your location by banging on walls or pipes, or using light (a flashlight) or sound (a whistle) signals

• Do not use matches or lighters due to the risk of explosion from possible gas leaks

• Do not shout, to avoid inhaling dust, and to conserve energy and oxygen

If you are indoors

• If fire has reached vegetation near your building and you cannot exit safely, close all doors, windows, and any openings or cracks through which smoke may enter

• Call emergency services at 112 or 193

• Cover your nose and mouth with a protective mask or moist cloth to protect yourself from inhaling smoke

• If you have a fire extinguisher nearby, use it

  • Be aware that electrical fires should not be extinguished with the same methods used for paper or wood

• Stay away from flammable materials

• Never walk through flames!

• If your clothes catch fire, extinguish them by dropping to the ground and rolling

• Help others nearby, especially those who are immobile, ill, children, or otherwise in need of assistance

 
If you are outdoors

• Find an area free of vegetation and flammable materials

• Cover your face (nose and mouth) with a wet cloth to avoid inhaling smoke, which can be as dangerous as fire - even brief exposure to smoke can cause unconsciousness

• If the fire has not yet reached your property, you may wet the surrounding trees, grass, and roof with water to slow the spread before moving away

  • Do this only if you have enough time and if it does not put your life or the lives of others at additional risk!

• If near the sea and unable to evacuate in time, enter the water and stand in it until rescue arrives

• If not near the shoreline, seek shelter between rocks, considering wind direction and potential changes in wind

• If no rocks or sea are nearby and escape is not possible, lie face down on the ground, cover yourself with soil, and place a wet cloth over your face to avoid smoke inhalation

• If your clothes catch fire, drop and roll as described above

  • Remember: fire needs oxygen, fuel, and high temperature - remove any one of these components, and the fire will not burn

• If local authorities order an evacuation, FOLLOW THEIR INSTRUCTIONS IMMEDIATELY without delay

If you are in a vehicle

• Do not remain in your vehicle if fire is approaching - exit immediately and seek a safer open area free from vegetation and flammable materials

If you are indoors

• Drink plenty of fluids, such as still water or low-calorie drinks without caffeine, alcohol, or sugar. It is important to stay hydrated regularly, not just when you feel thirsty!

• Eat smaller, more frequent meals rich in fresh vegetables and fruit. Choose easily digestible food and avoid fatty spicy and greasy meals.

• Avoid using devices that can heat the room.

• Cool your body by showering or bathing in lukewarm water, or by applying cold compresses.

• Avoid strenuous physical activities.

• Use cooler night air to ventilate your home: open windows or lift blinds during the night and early morning.

• During the day, keep windows closed, lower blinds (especially on sun-facing windows), and turn off unnecessary lighting.

• If using an air conditioner, keep windows and doors closed. Set the unit to a temperature no more than 7°C lower than the outside. During the day, maintain indoor temperatures below 32°C, and at night below 24°C.

• Stay in the coolest room in your home.

• If someone near you becomes unwell, open windows and doors to create airflow, use cold compresses to cool them, and call emergency medical services.

 
If you are outdoors

• Avoid staying outside between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m.

• If you work or train outside, take frequent breaks in the shade and drink more fluids - about 1.5 cups every 30 minutes.

• If you must go out, wear light, breathable clothing in bright colors, protect your head (hat, cap, etc.), and wear sunglasses.

• Walk in the shade and bring drinking water with you

• Never leave children or pets alone in the sun!

• If someone near you becomes unwell, move them to a shaded or air-conditioned area, loosen their clothing, and if they are conscious, give them water or juice. Call emergency medical services.

 
If you are in a vehicle

• Never leave children or animals alone in vehicles!

 
Health

• If you are unwell or taking medication, and you feel sick or experience unusual symptoms during a heatwave, call emergency services, your doctor, or a pharmacist.

• Be aware that a heatwave can cause serious health issues: sunstroke, redness, cramps, exhaustion, or even heatstroke.

• Help those around you, especially vulnerable individuals (the ill, elderly, children…).

If you are indoors

• Call 112 if your home is cut off due to heavy snowfall and unplowed roads, and you urgently need medical assistance, veterinary care, essential supplies, fuel, etc.

 If you are outdoors

• Avoid going outside unless necessary

• ​Follow recommendations to prevent falls: 

  • If you must go out, walk slowly and carefully on cleared sidewalks and paths, taking short, small steps. Keep your eyes on the ground ahead.

  • Be cautious when walking near buildings or under trees, as snow or ice can fall unexpectedly.

  • Wear shoes or boots with rubber, non-slip soles to reduce the risk of slipping.

  • Keep your hands out of your pockets and avoid carrying heavy items, as they can affect your balance.

  • When walking down stairs, always hold the handrail.

• Do not touch or shake snow off uninsulated power lines, due to the risk of electric shock!

• Avoid walking on icy surfaces, especially frozen bodies of water like lakes or ponds. The ice must be at least 12 cm (5 inches) thick to be safe to walk on.

Industrial accidents can occur due to uncontrolled sequences of events in industrial processes, during transportation, storage of hazardous substances, etc.

If you are indoors

• If you witness an industrial accident, call 112 and provide all available information to help emergency services respond effectively.

• If you are near a hazardous substance or chemical spill, do not step into it or touch contaminated objects.

• If you are in a building close to the accident site and the wind is blowing toward you, leave the dangerous area immediately.

• If you're farther away from the site, close all windows, doors and ventilation openings and use makeshift materials (like adhesive tape, wet towels, aluminium foil, etc.) to seal the cracks where hazardous substances could enter

• Follow instructions from local authorities, civil protection units, and experts.

 
If you are outdoors

• If you are outdoors when warning sirens sound or you receive an emergency SMS alert, immediately and calmly seek shelter in a solid, enclosed building.

• If you are near a contaminated cloud, do not eat or drink, protect your respiratory system with a wet cloth, and evacuate the area immediately.

• Follow guidance from professionals, local authorities, and civil protection representatives.

• Stay informed through media updates.

 
If you are in a vehicle

• If you are in a vehicle near the site of a chemical accident, close the windows, turn off the ventilation, and drive away from the danger zone as quickly as possible.

 
Health

• If you were exposed to harmful substances, seek medical attention immediately so a doctor can determine whether treatment is necessary.

In the event of a nuclear or radiological emergency, such as a nuclear power plant accident or the discovery of orphan radioactive source - authorities will determine protective measures for the potentially affected population.
 
What to do in case of a nuclear or radiological emergency?

• If you are outdoors at the time the alert is issued, immediately go indoors and take shelter

• Do not eat, drink, or smoke in potentially contaminated areas

• Close all doors and windows, and turn off all ventilation systems.

• Prevent outside air from entering by sealing doors, windows, and vents with wet towels or adhesive tape.

• Turn on the radio or TV to receive the latest updates and instructions from the authorities.

• Do not consume fresh milk or water originating from the affected area.

• Consume fresh food from the affected area only if authorized by the competent authorities.

• If you were outside during the incident and suspect exposure to radioactive material, immediately shelter indoors, remove all clothing and footwear and seal them in a plastic bag; if possible, take a warm shower and wash thoroughly with soap.

• Once you leave the contaminated area, inform authorities that you may have been exposed, and hand over the bagged clothing and shoes; stay calm and follow further instructions and updates from the authorities via TV, radio, Internet, or other public information sources.

• In case of a nuclear accident, take stable iodine tablets only if instructed by the authorities.